Detailed Guide of Kavala
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AA triptrip toto KavalaKavala isis aa rewardingrewarding one!one! It translates into alternating colours and emotions, great fun and great flavours… It’s a byword of lively vitality and human communication, culture and creativity... It means saying goodbye to monotony. A trip to Kavala is a rewarding experience which really takes you places! KAVALA: one destination, a kaleidoscope of experiences A trip to Kavala is a rewarding one! It translates into alternating colours and emotions, great fun and great flavours… It’s a byword of lively vitality and human communication, culture and creativity... It means saying goodbye to monotony. A trip to Kavala is a rewarding experience which really takes you places! “Panagia” old town with Fortress (centre), the town’s ancient walls, Imaret (right, with domes) and church of the Panagia (top right, on the tip of the peninsula) 3 Discovering the old town Kavala’s This is a trip back in time, a unique experience you definitely have to enjoy. Before getting to know Kavala old town, known locally as the Panagia neighbourhood, stop off for a little bit and enjoy the historic centre magical amphitheatrically built view of the fortress, the Imaret, the paved streets, the beautiful neoclassical buildings, the interplay of sun on sea, the beaches and the lighthouse. Then, gradually, The old town by night with step by step set off on your tour: the Fortress illuminated The Imaret The medrese (an Islamic educational establishment) Heading up the narrow winding lanes, one arrives at today houses the local neighbourhood cultural the Imaret. This large complex from the late Ottoman association and one of the Municipality of Kavala’s period is a classic example of Islamic architecture and doctors’ surgeries. almost the only one to have survived intact in the city. It was built between 1817 and 1821 by the founder of The Kavala Fortress the last Egyptian dynasty, Mohammed Ali. It served as Kavala Fortress protrudes from the rocky hilltop and a Muslim seminary and boarding house as well as a stands proud as the eternal defender of the city. ‘poor house’ for the destitute of the town irrespective of Its walls with their embrasures and the central round their religion. Since 2004 it has been a luxury hotel. tower which protrudes from the walls are key features of the castle. Mohammed Ali’s “Konak” (House) The largest part of the fortress was built in the first After a short stopover for fresh fish and mezes in the quarter of the 15th century on the ruins of the picturesque taverns (which often becomes a long Byzantine acropolis. stopover), you can continue on your exploration of the The inner courtyard surrounded the entire area of the town. castle that needed to be defended. The water tank, the A little lower down from the Imaret, in a key location in artillery store and food store, and the garrison’s the old town, is Mohammed Ali Square. On the left-hand accommodation. side is a house, known as locally Mohammed Ali's Today it is a place of rest where visitors and local “Konak” (house) which is one of the largest and best residents can stroll around or visit the outdoor theatre designed mansions in the Panagia neighbourhood. to attend cultural events or enjoy a drink at the outdoor Outside the house stands a bronze statue of a man on refreshment stall. horse which was sculpted by the Greek sculptor Dimitriades. Mohammed Ali's “Konak” now functions as From left to right: The interior of the Imaret / The Kamares (aqueduct) / Typical old town houses / View of the Fortress with a section of the wall, the a cultural and entertainment centre. “Halil Bey” Complex in the centre and the church of the Panagia on the right The lighthouse at the tip of the “Panagia”, another town landmark Panagia Church and the Lighthouse The Kamares (Arches) After the square is one of Kavala's most beautiful The last but most famous historical monument, and churches, the Panagia, offering a stunning view, and the an integral part of the old town, is the Kamares. Lighthouse at the end of the old town peninsula. Both This is an impressive section of an extensive water are great spots to enjoy the view as the sun sets and the supply system that was built by Suleiman the day fades, bidding farewell to architectural styles which Magnificent to supply water to the barren rocky are different yet blend harmoniously. Panagia peninsula. This grandiose creation is 280 m long and consists of Halil Bey Complex 60 arches in four different sizes built around 1530, Ascending towards the Castle through Mehmet Ali probably on the site of the long wall which Emperor Street, you will come across the Halil Bey Complex Andronicus II Paleologus had built. which includes the Halil Bey Mosque which dates from The Kamares served as an aqueduct bringing water the beginning of the 20th century, an older minaret to the city from a spring located close to the possibly dating from the 16th century and a medrese. present-day village of Palia Kavala. The mosque is built on the foundations of an Early View of the “Halil Bey” Complex Christian basilica. or “Palia Mousiki” (Old Music) as it is locally known 4 5 Moving past the Arches you are transported back to the present. The Kavala of today: a dynamic, vibrant, friendly and people-oriented Other places town. of interest The Tourist Information Centre, in the central square Kavala is a lively place It’s in neighbourhoods like these that you’ll meet the which knows how to respect its history, incorporate it into residents of a town full of traditional Greek beauty and its present-day operation and look into the future. hospitality. Kavala is the most developed urban centre in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. A city with a strong cultural and historical continuity. Here the A large port and equally large marina, coupled with the modern co-exists harmoniously with the neoclassical and Nea Peramos port and the Nea Iraklitsa marina, mean that traditional everywhere! this is one of the most important fishing centres in the entire country. THE MUNICIPAL TOBACCO WAREHOUSE One of the Mediterranean Sea’s largest fish markets is The Warehouse was built in the first decades of the 20th located here with merchandise being shipped from here to century for a Turkish tobacco merchant. It is a fine exam- numerous domestic and international markets. ple of Ottoman neoclassicism (fake columns, capitals, Of course, this is also a unique tourist destination that can and friezes) using elements of the baroque style such as satisfy even the most demanding visitor! the imposing top piece on the roof featuring four crowns. Having been recently renovated, the Tobacco Warehouse Kavala is an active plan, is used today to host a diverse range of cultural events. combining the pace of the big city with a style that utterly relaxing, no matter what time of day it is! THE LAZARISTS MONASTERY Built between 1888 and 1892 the monastery reflects Down at the port, various architectural styles with a strong neoclassical An ideal destination for a cruise, Kavala has a vibrant influence. It was formerly used as the French Consulate. market, a bustling business community and yet knows how to wind down as the day goes on. THE ADOLF WIX BUILDING Its outdoor cafes are ideal spots for some ouzo and The building was erected in 1899 by the German baron, mezes. The view of the Panagia peninsula with its castle Adolf Wix, as the headquarters of his commercial and old town is stunning. activities and as his home. Today it houses various The port is ideal for short strolls along the harbour wall services of the Municipality of Kavala. with the yachts all lined up, and a great place to look out to the long stretches of beaches and small villages that THE TOWN HALL lie further out. The building is a miniature version of a Hungarian castle and was built circa 1895 by the Hungarian tobacco Shopping in the city merchant, Pierre Herzog. In the narrow lanes in the Agios Nikolaos neighbourhood, Section of the refugee quarter of Agia Varvara, close to the central square, the shops give you a taste of a THE GRAND CLUB also known as “Pentakosia”, from above bygone age. The modern, large commercial shops are on The Grand Club building was erected in 1909 by the local the other side between Omonia St. and Venizelou St. society for the relief of the poor and was used to host Those two shopping areas are connected by the modern social events and happenings. Its neoclassical form Municipal Market building. The place is bustling every day as contains many elements from the ancient Greek tradition. the locals come here to shop for food. The market is clean, offering a wide variety of fresh produce. TOKOU MANSION Today this building houses the Ephorate of Byzantine The neighbourhoods Antiquities. It was erected in 1879 by the tobacco In the Ai Giannis neighbourhood, which lies right in the heart merchant, D. Tokou and was used as a consulate and later of the town you can see old mansions and the church of St. as the Town Hall from the liberation of Kavala until 1937. John that the neighbourhood takes its name from. Stroll down Kyprou St. with its charming neoclassical buildings. THE MUNICIPAL CONSERVATOIRE The town’s other neighbourhoods are Kipoupoli, This is the oldest of the houses built in Kavala before 1864. Vyronas, Potamoudia, Profitis Ilias and Kallithea. All of After World War I it was used as a bank but since 1987 has them have small, quaint houses with courtyards, gardens been in the possession of the Municipality of Kavala and and terracotta-tiled roofs.